Orlando City releases statement after fan misconduct during Atlanta United game

Toward the final moments of the match Will Johnson pushed the ball forward in a last attempt to salvage a draw, but looked to be fouled by Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, but head referee Alan Kelly did not whistle an infraction.

That resulted into a barrage of debris falling on to the pitch as the match came to an ugly end.

Orlando coach Jason Kreis acknowledged the events from Sunday night.

“My message is pretty clear. We’ve said all along that the fans are a part of our family, the crowd is part of our family and from our point of view, the players, we started to lose control emotionally a little bit as well, the coaches were losing control a little bit emotionally as well, and the crowd, the final piece is that we can’t be that,” said Kreis. “We can’t do that. We certainly want to be a very, very difficult place to play, but we need to show the right amount of restraint in that moment to not be throwing things on the field. We just can’t do that.”

Bottling throwing happened as early in the 10th minute when Josef Martinez buried a penalty kick to give the visitors the lead.

What happened was unacceptable, we will not tolerate this type of behavior, bad calls will happens, frustration with not playing our best as well, but NOTHING justify that attitude from part of our fans. We will work hard to make sure this will never happens again.

Statement from Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City SC does not support or condone the unacceptable actions taken by fans at Orlando City Stadium during Sunday’s match against Atlanta United. Fans are strictly prohibited from throwing debris or objects onto the field. The Club is using available resources to identify offenders, who will be penalized for their behavior in accordance with Major League Soccer and Orlando City Stadium regulations.

Orlando City SC takes great pride in the passion of its supporters and how they make Orlando City Stadium the most difficult venue to play at in MLS, but the safety of fans, players, officials and staff members is our top priority.

(Photo Courtesy of Staff File Photos)

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